This past week I have been very emotional.  The littlest things set off the waterworks.  I always keep the saying "It's not the number of breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away" in the back of my mind.  I ran across that personal "mantra" about 11 years ago when my little sister died at 16 years old in a car accident.  As I get older that saying has found it's way on plaques and artwork all over my house.

After a I would see the words, but lack the feeling beneath them.  This past trip to Sunriver I really felt that mantra again.  I am known for always hauling my camera around, always trying to capture each special moment. Many times I fail horribly.  I look back at the pictures and I didn't capture what I thought I had at all.  Every now and then I can snap a picture that is really meaningful.

A surprise waterfall. . . 

Drew flying past me as he expertly maneuvers his go kart....

Annika's laughter after playing freeze tag with a dozen 2nd cousins - all under the age of 8. . . . .

Christopher's consistent joy, regardless of his circumstances . . . .

It occurred to me today that as I have gotten older there are fewer and fewer moments that "take my breath away."  Have I become desensitized over the years, making what might have been breathtaking once long ago merely the daily grind now?  Or is it that I have been looking at life, just like the plaques around my house, seeing the actions but not feeling the emotions?  Maybe I have just given up on feeling breathless (except for when I try to work out). Who knows, maybe it is a mid-life crisis (augh!)

I suppose that my next goal should be to look at life through new eyes and see these precious moments for what they are, and allow myself to take a moment to feel how special they are.

For now my precious moments will be spend doing a kitchen full of dishes and laundry from our little trip.:) 

August is a big month filled with birthdays, anniversaries (some sad), horse shows and SCHOOL.  I can't believe that the summer is almost over.  We have one more horse show and then school starts.  With 2 in high school I am looking forward to an interesting year.  We just got back from spending a few days in Sunriver.  It was a nice get away. It gets easier and easier to make that 3 1/2 hour drive.  

Drew and his friend Max had a blast surfing and riding their bikes.

Christopher had fun playing with his 2nd cousins!!

Happy Birthday Bill!

Bill was born on August 4th in some town in Michigan I cannot pronounce.  He and I met in 1991 and from the moment we met we simply clicked.  After 6 months of dating we figured out that neither of us had dated anyone else or had an inkling to do so.  Bill will gladly tell you that if it weren't for him we would not be together.  However, what he doesn't tell you is that if it weren't for him I would never be as happy as I am.  Without sounding too mushy. . . my "soul" new we were supposed to be together.  He was my better half to be sure.  I know that he could have had a dozen women who were better elevated, educated, and even better looking.  Somehow he stuck with me, through the best and thickest of it.  20 years of marriage and we are still. growing and learning.  I have seen him grow to be such a caring and sensitive father.  He is an outstanding surgeon (as everyone knows) but he is an even better man.  He is one of the selfless men I have ever met.  He has a wicked sense of humor and an appreciation for everything that comes from the heart. He is the love of my life for time and all eternity.  I am not always the best at sharing my feelings.  I used to be better  . . . but I want him to know that he is the best thing that ever happened to me.  I am so proud to be his wife!

Happy Birthday Drew! 

Andrew was born in Medford, Oregon on August 7th, 1999.  The little stinker tried to come a tad too early (on July 4th and he was due Aug 22nd) so I had to enjoy the leisure life of bed rest while tending to 18 month old Annika.  I knew he was a boy before they even told me.  He is exactly what I expected. He is wicked smart about so many things.  He has such a creative mind.  He is a secret artist with out of this world talent.  He also has a very sensitive and caring heart (like his dad).  He is very selective of his friends and also the people he allows himself to get close to.  He is so funny he makes my ribs hurt.  His smile lights up my life.  He is such a good son, he is always making sure that I am ok.  Although he is very funny, he is also very serious.  He takes things in deeply.  What a blessing he is to us!